I am a PhD student at the University of St Andrews. I'm originally from the City of Good Neighbors, Buffalo, NY, but over the years I've lived (more than 3 months) in Austria, Louisiana, England, Scotland, Washington DC, and Rwanda. I also do some freelance writing for a backpacking company (gotta pay the bills!).

Likes: playing my cello, talking politics (in a civil manner) where we end the conversation on a good note (especially these days), watching films and documentaries, sharing stories over beer/glass of wine, being around animals, hiking, yoga, running, working out, biking
Dislikes: Big egos, any sort of prejudice, making lists of what I dislike

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Well, first and foremost, to be honest, I'm a PhD student and I'm not swimming in cash. Sometimes I have to go to various cities for short research trips and can't always shell out for a hotel. I genuinely prefer couchsurfing to any Airbnb or hotel because I love seeing life anywhere through a local's eyes. Being from Buffalo, I can appreciate that a city has more to offer than trope stereotypes and what travel brochure has to offer.

Interests

I'm super passionate about social justice but I won't shove my views down your throat. Mutual respect is everything.

I love beauty in unexpected places. Somehow the architecture of European cities fails to really win me over. An evening of sharing stories around a bonfire or going skinny dipping at a secluded beach or talking politics over a morning cup of coffee is as beautiful as any wonder of the world (natural wonders excluded).

Music, Movies, and Books

Favorite music: Anything with soul or a good beat - R&B, Jazz, Bluegrass/Folk, Hip-Hop, Tropical House

Movies: Anything, but comedies coming out of Hollywood these days aren't the greatest.

Favorite Books: I read 8 hours a day for work, I can't remember the last time I read for fun.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I think my experience standing with water protectors at Standing Rock was one of the most intense and life-changing and amazing experiences of my life.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm willing to learn about pretty much anything.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love listening to just about anything that a person is passionate about.
I'm a good cook (relatively), can play a cello if one is laying around, I'm willing to try almost any activity that doesn't involve harming others or placing myself in immediate danger, I don't mind cleaning or doing anything to make life easier for the people hosting!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Canada, Denmark, Ethiopia, France, Greece, Honduras, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Latvia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Palestine, Poland, Rwanda, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Austria, Canada, Germany, Rwanda, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States